Last autumn a universal van built on the UAZ Profi platform emerged in reports. Subsequently, a project from Universal NN, a company based in Nizhny Novgorod, released its version in an emergency configuration. This Nizhny Novgorod project remains actively in development, with progress updates continuing to appear in official channels.
New details about the vehicle surfaced. As planned, the firm completed the construction of a pickup topped with an awning, effectively a convertible variant. The 8+1 seating layout is set for series production, expanding the model lineup.
Universal NN showcased the convertible UAZ Profi at the Ecology of Tourism forum held in Alushta, Republic of Crimea. Photographs of the model were also shared through the company’s Telegram channel, highlighting the design and configuration.
Visually, the Pro features a two-tone finish with an orange lower section and a black upper portion. Exterior design elements include distinctive lamp trim, a unique canopy-style superstructure, and interior floor inserts that accommodate flexible seat placement using embedded rails.
Plans call for the universal van based on the UAZ Profi to spawn a broad family of add-on variants. This platform could be adapted into a motorhome, a mobile laboratory, an isothermal van with refrigeration, and a standard passenger or cargo variant, among others.
In the longer term, a passenger-ready van with an 8+1 cabin is anticipated, along with adaptations for wheelchair access featuring a rear lift. A full-fledged pickup without the awning is also expected to debut, and a longer, side-extended version of the factory UAZ Pickup is in development.
The van’s body is rigidly integrated with the two-row Profi cab, while the essential engineering for the specialized model is conducted at the factory. The payload capacity is targeted at roughly 1 to 1.2 tons. Under the hood sits a 2.7-liter ZMZ-Pro gasoline engine delivering around 150 horsepower, paired with a five-speed manual transmission and all-wheel drive. Pricing for the company vehicle has not been finalized, but the current two-row Profi-based truck is positioned around 1,637,000 rubles in preliminary listings.
Acknowledgments for visuals accompany the release: universalnn / Telegram.